The 2025 soybean season in Nebraska is shaping up as both promising and challenging. While recent rainfall has replenished soil moisture and reduced drought areas, the same cool, damp conditions have set the stage for increased pest and disease activity in soybean fields across the state.

Soybean Aphids Return
Farmers in northern Nebraska are reporting renewed problems with soybean aphids-a pest absent from many growers' experience for years. "Younger farmers have never seen how bad it can get," notes Syngenta's Chris Munsterman. Nebraska Extension recommends treatment when populations reach 250 aphids per plant on 80% of plants, with numbers rising. Recommended control includes foliar application of Endigo ZCX at 3.5-4.5 ounces per acre before economic damage occurs.

Japanese Beetles on the Rise
While not yet a widespread issue in every region, some areas are seeing epidemic-level infestations of Japanese beetles, capable of cutting yields by up to 10 bushels per acre without obvious plant decline. In soybeans, insecticide treatment is advised if defoliation exceeds 30% before bloom, 10% during pod development to pod fill, and 15% at full seed stage.

Soybean Gall Midge Challenges
The soybean gall midge remains difficult to control. For seed treated with neonicotinoids, Warrior II with Zeon technology is applied when adult flights are detected; untreated seed may require Endigo ZCX at first sign of adults. Success has been marginal, with researchers emphasizing an integrated pest management approach.

White Mold Concerns
White mold is making a comeback after years of lower incidence. Farmers are relying on variety tolerance and shorter maturity groups to reduce exposure. Wet, foggy conditions in 2025 have raised the risk significantly.

Optimistic Outlook with Caution
Despite pest concerns, many farmers, including seed adviser Chris Thoene, remain optimistic. Adequate soil moisture and steady rains have created strong yield potential for both soybeans and corn. However, sustained disease pressure or a shift to dry weather could quickly alter prospects.

The coming weeks-particularly late August-will be critical. Strategic scouting, timely fungicide and insecticide applications, and adaptive management will be key to protecting Nebraska's 2025 soybean crop.